Jewelry with security bezel for regulating near field communication with an embedded near field communication chip

ABSTRACT

An article of jewelry comprising a precious or semi-precious gem; a near field communication (NFC) chip; and a bezel, wherein the bezel comprises an electrically conductive material switchable between a closed configuration defined by a continuous electrically conductive loop encircling the NFC chip and an open configuration defined by a gap preventing formation of an electrically conductive loop continuously encircling the NFC chip. Methods of protecting data using the article of jewelry.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/589,961 filed Jan. 5, 2015 and a continuation in part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/517,827 filed Oct. 18, 2014; the entire contentof each is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to jewelry and more specifically to an article ofjewelry that selectively permits and denies near field communicationwith an embedded near field communication (NFC) chip by way of areversibly closable bezel which closes to form a continuous electricallyconductive loop around the NFC chip and opens to break the continuousloop.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Jewelry is often given at special occasions, such as birthdays,anniversaries, vacations, and other memorable life events. Those thatreceive such gifts often wish to preserve and relive these memories;however, the moment itself is often not recorded or the recording islost among numerous other recordings thereby losing its intended closeassociation with the jewelry. Thus, it would be beneficial to developarticles of jewelry that are able store memories themselves asretrievable digital files.

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a technology commonly used fortracking purposes, often to replace bar codes. RFID tags contain anantenna and memory that stores data. Identifying or reading the data isaccomplished using an RFID reader. RFID tags are widespread in theretail industry by helping stores keep track of inventory. RFID tagshave also been incorporated into pearls. In WO2005/015986, a method ofmaking a pearl is demonstrated where an RFID chip is fixed to thesurface of the nucleus before the nucleus is inserted into the pearloyster. This prevents identifying information specific to each pearlfrom being erased for tracking or classification purposes. Similarly,CN102332106B provides an approach to identify and manage pearls byembedding an RFID chip in a pearl for identification purposes. The RFIDchip is added after boring into the pearl because the chip could beeasily damaged if provided as part of a nucleus.

Near field communication (NFC) is a more finely honed version of RFID.It operates within a maximum range of about 4-10 cm and can operate inone- or two-way communication. NFC communication involves the modulationof a magnetic field between two devices, commonly referred to as aninitiator and target. The initiator generates the RF field and thetarget modulates the field using power from the initiator. NFC-enabledfeatures are now commonly integrated into smart phones. This technologyis also being adopted for financial transactions where touching a NFCsmart phone to a NFC checkout terminal, instructs payment, therebyreplacing credit cards. In addition, data can be shared directly betweenNFC smart phones by just tapping phones together.

A challenge with NFC antenna design is that performance of the NFCantenna is degraded when positioning the NFC chip near electricallyconductive metals. While RFID tags have been used to track pearls,pearls are nonconductive. That is, the nacre coating does not conductelectricity. To this end, the mere substitution of the pearl's nacrecoating with desirable previous metals that are highly electricallyconductive, such as silver or gold, would not be appropriate for an NFCembedded chip since it prevents communication between an NFC chip and anNFC enabled device.

Even if challenges associated with incorporating an NFC chip intometallic jewelry so that data can be read is accomplished, a furtherchallenge involves the protection of privacy and security of the datastored on the NFC chip. That is, data stored on an NFC chip isinherently at risk of theft by unauthorized reading by others. This canbe especially challenging because jewelry is typically worn so that itis highly visible to others. Thus, outward display of jewelry thatincorporates an NFC chip could direct a thief precisely to the locationof the NFC chip for data theft. Similarly, NFC chips are also at risk ofmalicious writing, where programming is unknowingly transferred to theNFC chip by another, which could lead to cyber attack on a latercommunicating NCF enabled device.

Accordingly, there remains a need to develop a new article of jewelrythat is able to combine precious metals, which are highly conductive,into NFC enabled jewelry. There also remains a need to provide securityfeatures for NFC chips embedded within jewelry.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention addresses the need to provide an article of jewelry whichincludes precious metals, is able to store and transmit data throughnear field communication, and provides a security feature to selectivelyauthorize and deny the transfer of data over near field communicationwith embedded near field communication chips.

The above is accomplished in one aspect of the invention, by thedevelopment of an article of jewelry, which includes a precious orsemi-precious gem; a near field communication (NFC) chip; and a bezel,wherein the bezel is formed at least in part from an electricallyconductive material and is positioned along a same plane as the NFCchip, further wherein the bezel is switchable between a closedconfiguration defined by a continuous electrically conductive loopencircling the NFC chip, and an open configuration defined by a gappreventing formation of an electrically conductive loop continuouslyencircling the NFC chip.

In a related aspect of the invention, an article of jewelry is provided,which includes a precious or semi-precious gem; a near fieldcommunication (NFC) chip; and a bezel, wherein the bezel is formed atleast in part from an electrically conductive material, further whereinthe bezel is switchable between an open configuration that permits nearfield communication with the NFC chip and a closed configuration thatprevents near field communication with the NFC chip.

In another related aspect of the invention an article of jewelry isprovided, which includes a precious or semi-precious gem; a near fieldcommunication (NFC) chip; and a bezel substantially but not entirelysurrounding the NFC chip, wherein the bezel is formed from anelectrically conductive material, further wherein the article of jewelryis switchable between a closed configuration defined by a continuouselectrically conductive loop encircling the NFC chip and an openconfiguration defined by a break that prevents a continuous electricallyconductive loop. In some embodiments, the bezel is a noncontinuous ringhaving opposing ends separated by a gap, which can be flanged outward.In some embodiments one or more opposing end has a throughbore and acollar, where the collar is nonconductive and configured to fit in thethroughbore. In some embodiments the article of jewelry also includes anelectrically conductive connector or substrate, such as a loop or clasp,threaded through the one or more collars, where the one or more collarsinterfere with or prevent electrical connection between the bezel andthe substrate. In some embodiments, the collars are removable to permitelectrical contact between the electrically conductive substrate and thebezel. In other embodiments, the collars are rotatable and have a slotthat permits electrical contact between the electrically conductivesubstrate and bezel.

In another related aspect of the invention, a method of protecting datastored on a near field communication (NFC) chip within an article ofjewelry is provided, the method including providing an article ofjewelry in a closed configuration, wherein the article of jewelryincludes a precious or semi-precious gem; a near field communication(NFC) chip with stored data; and a bezel; wherein the bezel is formed atleast in part from an electrically conductive material, further whereinthe article of jewelry, such as through the bezel, is switchable betweenan open configuration that permits near field communication with the NFCchip and the closed configuration that prevents near field communicationwith the NFC chip. In a related embodiment the invention also includes amethod of protecting data, which includes: providing an article ofjewelry in an open configuration, wherein the article of jewelryincludes a precious or semiprecious gem, a near field communication(NFC) chip having data loaded thereon, and a bezel, wherein the bezel isformed of an electrically conductive material, further wherein thearticle of jewelry is switchable between the open configuration thatpermits near field communication with the NFC chip, and a closedconfiguration that prevents near field communication with the NFC chip;providing an NFC enabled device; writing data to the NFC chip with theNFC enabled device; and closing the article of jewelry to the closedconfiguration. In a preferred embodiment, the bezel has opposing endsseparated by a gap, each opposing end having a throughbore and a collarconfigured to fit in the throughbore, wherein the collars are formedfrom a nonconductive material, further wherein in one variation the openconfiguration is defined by the collars fitted within the throughboresand an electrically conductive substrate prevented from electricallyconnecting the opposing ends of the bezel and the closed configurationdefined by the collars removed from the throughbores and permittingelectrical connection between the electrically conductive substrate andthe bezel. In another variation, the open configuration is defined bythe collars fitted within the throughbores and an electricallyconductive substrate prevented from electrically connecting the opposingends of the bezel and the closed configuration is defined by theelectrically conductive substrate fitted into slots of the collars toelectrically connect with opposing ends of the bezel.

In yet another related aspect of the invention, a method of protectingpersonal data is provided, which includes providing an article ofjewelry in an open configuration, wherein the article of jewelryincludes a precious or semi-precious gem, a near field communication(NFC) chip stored with data, and a bezel, wherein the bezel is formed atleast in part from an electrically conductive material, further whereinthe bezel is switchable between the open configuration that permits nearfield communication with the NFC chip, and a closed configuration thatprevents near field communication with the NFC chip; providing an NFCenabled device; writing data, such as a text file, an image file or anaudio file, to the NFC chip with the NFC enabled device; and closing thebezel to the closed configuration.

Each of the above aspects can be provided in various embodiments. Forexample, in some embodiments the precious or semi-precious gem is agemstone selected from the group consisting of an agate, an alexandrite,an amber, an ametrine, an amethyst, an aquamarine, an apatite, a beryl,a bloodstone, a chrysoberyl or cat-eye, a citrine, a corundum, achalcedony, a chysocolla, a coral, a diamond, an emerald, a green beryl,a garnet, a quartz, an iolite, a jadcite, a kupzite, a lapis lazuli, amoonstone, a malachite, a moamite, an onyx, an opal, a pearl, a peridot,a red corundum, a ruby, a sardonyx, a sapphire, a spessartine, a sphene,a spinel, a star ruby, a sapphire, a sunstone, a tanzanite, a tiger eye,a tourmaline, a topaz, a turquoise, a tsavorite, a moissanite, and azircon. In other embodiments the semi-precious gem is an artificial gemor a replica of a gem, where the artificial gem or replica is notelectrically nonconductive.

In a preferred embodiment of the above aspects, the bezel is opened andclosed by displacement of an electrically conductive connector orsubstrate across a gap that separates opposing ends of the bezel. Thiscan be accomplished by providing the connector with two ends, wherein afirst end is fixedly connected to a first end of the bezel and a secondend is reversibly connectable to an opposing end of the bezel. In suchan embodiment, removing connection opens the bezel to permit near fieldcommunication with the NFC chip and closing the connection bridges thegap to permit a continuous electrically conductive loop to prevent nearfield communication with the NFC chip. This can be further embodied byproviding the first end of the connector hinged to the bezel.

In another embodiment, the entire connector is displaced from the bezel.In some embodiments, the connector is a metallic ring that removablyrests along an upper perimeter of the bezel to reversibly bridge the gapto reversibly electrically join opposing ends of the bezel. In furtherembodiments, the article of jewelry is a ring and the connector is alsoa ring of a same ring size, which provides a jewelry set. In stillanother embodiment, the connector is a dial, which can be turned toelectrically connect and electrically disconnect opposing ends of thebezel. In a still another embodiment, the connector is an electricallyconductive substrate such as a metal chain that forms a necklace, ametal loop, a metal clasp, or a metal pin, where a nonconductivesubstrate or collar reversibly blocks electrical contact between thebezel and the substrate. In such configurations, the nonconductivesubstrate can reversibly fit in throughbores positioned through opposingends of the bezel.

Permitting and preventing communication with the NFC chip is regulatedby opening and closing the bezel or reversibly joining ends of the bezelwith a conductive material. Closing the bezel forms a continuous loop ofelectrically conductive material around the perimeter of the NFC chip tointerfere with near field communication. In some embodiments the bezelis formed from a metal. In some embodiments the bezel is sliver. Inother embodiments the bezel is gold.

In the open configuration there is a break in conductivity such that thebezel lacks a continuous electrically conductive loop around the NFCchip. The electrically conductive continuous loop as provided in theclosed configuration is absent in the open configuration. In someembodiments the bezel surrounds at least 85% but less than 100% of theouter perimeter of the NFC chip along the same plane when in the openconfiguration.

The gem and NFC chip can be embedded within the article of jewelry bygluing the gem or NFC chip to one or more suitable substrate mounts andattaching the substrate mount(s) to the bezel. To this end, the articleof jewelry can include a nonconducting substrate, wherein the gem andthe NFC chip are mounted to the substrate. In further embodiments, thesubstrate can include a lower layer and an upper layer separating thegem from the NFC chip. In still further embodiments, the upper layercomprises mother of pearl.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention can be better understood with reference tothe following drawings, which form part of the specification andrepresent preferred embodiments. The components in the drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the invention. And, in the drawings, like referencenumerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a cutaway view of an article of jewelry 10, where beneath agemstone 12 is a hidden NFC chip 14, and around which is a bezel 16 withconnector 18 in a dosed configuration preventing near fieldcommunication with the NFC chip 14.

FIG. 2 is a cutaway and exploded view of the article of jewelry 10 shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the article of jewelry 10 shown in FIG. 1,showing the connector 18 closing the gap 20 between opposing ends 16A,16B of the bezel 16 to form a closed configuration defined by acontinuous electrically conductive loop.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the article of jewelry 10 shown in FIG. 1,depicted in an open configuration defined by the connector 18 removedfrom connection from one of the ends 168 of the bezel 16 therebypermitting the gap 20 to prevent a continuous electrically conductiveloop and thus prevent near field communication.

FIG. 5 depicts diversion of an electric field E from an NFC enableddevice (not shown) around the article of jewelry 10 when the connector18 and bezel 16 are in the closed configuration.

FIG. 6 depicts permitting near field communication by permitting theelectric field E to access inside the article of jewelry 10 by openingthe connector 18, which forms a break in the continuous electricallyconductive loop of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an article of jewelry 10 embodied as a ring with removableconnectors 18.

FIG. 8 shows a gap 20 separating opposing ends 16A, 16B of the bezel 16overlaying a clock for reference for the positioning of the loop 26 ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the articleof jewelry 100 with a nonconductive collar 130A.

FIG. 10 depicts the article of jewelry shown in FIG. 9 embodied as anecklace in a locked configuration.

FIG. 11 depicts slotted 132 collars 130A, 130B.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the article of jewelry 100 of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For clarity of disclosure, and not by way of limitation, the inventionis discussed according to different detailed embodiments; however, theskilled artisan will recognize through the guidance herein that featuresof one embodiment can be combined with other embodiments and thereforesuch combinations are within the intended scope of the invention.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skillin the art to which this invention belongs. If a definition set forth inthis document is contrary to or otherwise inconsistent with a definitionset forth in the art, the definition set forth in this document prevailsover a contradictory definition.

The term “precious gem” as used herein refers to a precious stone forornamentation. The term “semi-precious gem” as used herein refers to asemi-precious stone for ornamentation. A “semi-precious gem” is alsointended to encompass an artificial gem or a replica of a gem.Preferably, the “precious gem” and “semi-precious gem” is cut andpolished.

The term “opaque” as used herein refers to the inability to see througha material across the visible spectrum. An “opaque layer” is nottransparent. An “opaque layer” may be reflective.

The term “electrically conductive material” or “conductive material” asused herein refers to a material that conducts electricity such that ifcompletely surrounding a NFC chip at a distance of about 5 mm wouldprevent near field communication with the encircled NFC chip. The mostelectrically conductive element is silver, followed by copper and gold,each of which is highly electrically conductive. The SI unit forconductivity S/m. A “highly electrically conductive material” as usedherein is 10'S/m or more and is the preferred material for the bezel.“Lesser conductive materials” as used herein refers to a material havinga conductivity of about 10⁶ S/m. “Lesser conductive materials” can besuitable for connectors but do not tend to be sufficiently efficient foruse as the bezel itself. “Lesser conductive materials” can includetitanium or titanium alloy as used in the jewelry industry.“Nonconductive materials” are also termed “insulators.” “Nonconductivematerials” can include various polymers including plastics, rubbers,glass and ceramics and are not suitable for either the bezel orconnector but are suited for collars.

The term “continuous loop” as used herein refers to a loop that does notend. The term “electrically conductive continuous loop” or “continuouselectrically conductive loop” as used herein refers to a material thatpermits an electrical charge to continue around a loop many times.

The term “NFC interfering loop” as used herein refers to a loop of“conductive material” with or without and amount of “lesser conductivematerial” to prevent near field communication with a surrounded NFCchip.

The term “near field communication chip” or “NFC chip” as used hereinrefers to an unpowered chip capable of acting as a passive target undernear field communication standards as known in the electroniccommunication arts. The “near field communication signal” typicallyoperates within a distance of about 4-10 cm or less and at a frequencyof about 13.56 MHz. Near field communication operates usingelectromagnetic induction between two loop antennas located within eachother's near field, effectively forming an air-core transformer betweenan initiator and target. More specifically an initiator device providesa carrier field, and the target device answers by modulating theexisting field. Thus the NFC chip draws its operating power from theinitiator-provided electromagnetic field. An “NFC enabled device” asused herein refers to a device such as a smart phone or a tabletcomputer that acts as an initiator to power the NFC chip. NFC chipsinclude a loop antenna and memory that currently stores between about 96bytes and 4 MB. NFC chips can be read only but are preferablyrewritable. Reading and writing to an NFC chip can be performed using anNFC enabled device loaded with NFC software. The term “NFC chip” isintended to encompass current near field communication standards as wellas further improvements that can operate in connection with remainingelements that form the article of jewelry.

The term “substantially surrounding” or “substantially around the outerperimeter” as used herein refers to an extension that surrounds between85% and less than 100%, more preferably 90%-99.9% of the outer perimeteror circumference of the NFC chip. In further embodiments, 90%-95% of theouter perimeter or circumference of the NFC chip is surrounded by theelectrically conductive material of the bezel even when in the openconfiguration. In some embodiments, at least 95% of the outer perimeteror circumference of the NFC chip is surrounded by the electricallyconductive material of the bezel. In further embodiments, at least 96%of the outer perimeter or circumference of the NFC chip is surrounded bythe electrically conductive material of the bezel. In furtherembodiments, at least 97% of the outer perimeter or circumference of theNFC chip is surrounded by the electrically conductive material of thebezel. In further embodiments, at least 98% of the outer perimeter orcircumference of the NFC chip is surrounded by the electricallyconductive material of the bezel. In further embodiments, at least 99%of the outer perimeter or circumference of the NFC chip is surrounded bythe electrically conductive material of the bezel. The electricallyconductive material of the bezel does not surround 100% of the perimeteror circumference of the NFC chip when in the open configuration.

The term “distance of communication” as used herein refers to themaximum distance in which an NFC enabled device can receive instructionsor a message from an NFC chip. The “distance of communication” istypically less than 10 cm and preferably 4 cm or less.

Referring collectively to FIGS. 1-4, article of jewelry 10 is provided,which includes a precious or semi-precious gem 12; a near fieldcommunication (NFC) chip 14; and a bezel 16. The bezel 16, whichincludes an electrically conductive material, is positioned along a sameplane as the NFC chip 14. The bezel 14 is switchable between a closedconfiguration defined by a continuous electrically conductive loop(shown in FIGS. 3 and 5) around the NFC chip and an open configurationdefined by a gap 20 preventing formation of a continuous electricallyconductive loop (shown in FIGS. 4 and 6) around the NFC chip.

Relatedly, an article of jewelry 10 has been developed, which includes agem 12; a near field communication (NFC) chip 14; and a bezel 16,wherein the bezel 16 is formed at least in part from an electricallyconductive material, further wherein the bezel 16 is switchable betweenan open configuration, where opposing ends 16A, 16B of the bezel are notjoined, that permits near field communication with the NFC chip 14 and aclosed configuration 14, where opposing ends 16A, 16B of the bezel 16are electrically joined, that prevents near field communication with theNFC chip.

An implication of the above is that a method of protecting data storedon a near field communication (NFC) chip 14 within article of jewelry 10has also been developed. In an exemplary method, an article of jewelry10 is provided in a closed configuration, wherein the article of jewelry10 includes a precious or semi-precious gem 12; a near fieldcommunication (NFC) chip 14 with stored data, such as a text, image,video or audio file; and a bezel 16; wherein the bezel 16 is formed atleast in part from an electrically conductive material, further whereinthe bezel 16 is switchable between an open configuration that permitsnear field communication with the NFC chip 14 and the closedconfiguration that prevents near field communication with the NFC chip14.

Relatedly, a method of protecting data has also been developed, whichincludes providing an article of jewelry 10 in an open configuration,wherein the article of jewelry 10 includes a precious or semipreciousgem 12, a near field communication (NFC) chip 14 stored with data, and abezel 16, wherein the bezel 16 is formed at least in part from anelectrically conductive material, further wherein the bezel 16 isswitchable between the open configuration that permits near fieldcommunication with the NFC chip 14, and a closed configuration thatprevents near field communication with the NFC chip 14; providing an NFCenabled device 300; writing data to the NFC chip 14 with the NFC enableddevice 300; and closing the bezel 14 to the closed configuration therebyprotecting the data stored on the NFC chip 14. The method can furtherinclude opening the connector 18 to again permit near fieldcommunication with the NFC chip 14 and accessing the data through nearfield communication with an NFC enabled device 300.

The semiprecious or precious gems 12 can be selected from a variety ofavailable gemstones or replica gemstones having a conductivity less than10³ S/m. For example, suitable precious gems are gemstones selected fromthe group consisting of an agate, an alexandrite, an amber, an ametrine,an amethyst, an aquamarine, an apatite, a beryl, a bloodstone, achrysoberyl or cat-eye, a citrine, a corundum, a chalcedony, achysocolla, a coral, a diamond, an emerald, a green beryl, a garnet, aquartz, an iolite, a jadeite, a kupzite, a lapis lazuli, a moonstone, amalachite, a moamite, an onyx, an opal, a pearl, a peridot, a redcorundum, a ruby, a sardonyx, a sapphire, a spessartine, a sphene, aspinel, a star ruby, a sapphire, a sunstone, a tanzanite, a tiger eye, atourmaline, a topaz, a turquoise, a tsavorite, a moissanite, and azircon. In other embodiments the gem is an artificial gem or a replicaof a gem, where the artificial gem or replica is not electricallynonconductive.

The article of jewelry 10 can be embodied in various forms such as aring, an earring, a pendant, among other articles of jewelry 10. In someinstances, two or more jewelry articles 10, each embedded with a NFCchip 14 are arranged along a strand to form a necklace or bracelet. Byproviding an NFC locking mechanism each article of jewelry 10 can beaccessed individually by selectively connecting or disconnecting theconnector 18 across the gap 20 of each bezel 16.

While it is envisioned that a variety of mechanisms can be used, in eachof the embodiments the bezel 14 is opened and closed by displacement ofan electrically conductive connector 18 across the gap 20. In someembodiments, this can be accomplished by providing the connector 18 withtwo ends, wherein a first end is fixedly connected to a first end 16A ofthe bezel 16 and a second end of the connector 18 is reversiblyconnectable to a second end 16B of the bezel 16. In such an embodiment,removing connection opens the bezel 16 to permit near fieldcommunication with the NFC chip 14 and closing the connection bridgesopposing ends 16A, 16B across the gap 20 to form a continuouselectrically conductive loop to prevent near field communication withthe NFC chip 14. This can be further embodied by providing the first endof the connector hinged 22 to the bezel 16.

In another embodiment, the entire connector 18 is displaced from thebezel 16. In some embodiments, the connector 18 is a metallic ring thatremovably rests along the upper perimeter of the bezel 16 to reversiblybridge the gap 20 to join opposing ends 16A, 16B. In furtherembodiments, the article of jewelry 10 is a ring and the connector 18 isalso a ring of a same ring size, which provides a jewelry set. In stillanother embodiment, the connector 18 is a dial, which can be turned toelectrically connect and electrically disconnect opposing ends 16A, 16Bof the bezel 16 to form or break an electrically conductive continuousloop around the NFC chip 14.

Thus, permitting and preventing communication with the NFC chip 14 isregulated by opening and closing a continuous electrical circuit aroundthe bezel 16, preferably by use of the connector 18. Closing the bezel18 forms a continuous loop of the electrically conductive materialaround the perimeter of the NFC chip 14 to interfere with near fieldcommunication with the NFC chip 14. In some embodiments the bezel 16formed from a metal. In some embodiments the bezel 16 is sliver. Inother embodiments the bezel 16 is gold.

Turning again back to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3-6, theconnector 18 is able to reversibly bridge the gap 20 to connect opposingends 16A, 16B of the bezel 16, thereby reinstating a continuouselectrical loop around the NFC chip 14, and thus preventing near fieldcommunication with the NFC chip 14. The connecting structure 18 isitself preferably formed of a highly electrically conductive material,such as a metal having a conductivity of 10⁷ S/m or more. The connectingstructure 18 acts to open or close the gap 20 in the bezel 16, thusbreaking or rejoining a continuous, electrically conductive loop. Asshown in FIG. 5, it is believed, though not bound by theory, that whenthe loop created by a connected bezel 16 is permitted to conductelectricity in a continuous loop, it disrupts the electric field Egenerated by an NFC enabled device 300 (not shown), which preventscommunicating with the NFC chip 14 located in the article of jewelry 10.As shown collectively in FIGS. 4 and 6, when the continuous electricallyconductive loop of the bezel 16 is broken by opening the connector 18from at least one of the ends 16A, 16B of the bezel 16 to expose the gap20, the electric field E from an NFC enabled device 300 is permitted topass into the article of jewelry 10 to communicate with the NFC chip 14,thereby permitting the transfer of information to the NFC chip 14, orpermitting retrieval of information from the NFC chip 14. In thismanner, the connecting structure 18 acts as a security measure,shielding the NFC chip 14 from outside electric fields E when the gap 20is closed, and allowing transfer of information when the gap 20 isopened.

The gap 20 can be 1 mm or larger, but gaps 20 of 0.5 mm, 0.2 mm andsmaller also being envisioned. In some embodiments the gap 20 is between1 mm and 5 mm. Gaps 20 larger than 5 mm are also encompassed by theinvention. In some embodiments, the gap 20 is 1 cm. In some embodimentsthe gap 20 is 2.5 mm. Thus, the gap 20 is preferably defined as theabsence of electrically conductive material thereby providing a gap inconductivity; however a gap 20 formed as a nonconductive material, suchas plastic, could nonconductively join opposing ends 16A, 16B or endregions of the bezel.

The connecting structure 18 preferably has two ends, where the first endis permanently connected to a first end 16A of the bezel 16 and thesecond end being reversibly connected to the second end 16B of the bezel16. One way to permanently connect one end of the connecting structure18 to the bezel 16A is with a hinge 22, shown in FIG. 4.

Manufacture of the article of jewelry 10 can be accomplished bypositioning the NFC chip 14 beneath, above or within a desired gem 12and positioning an electrically conductive bezel 16 along a same planeas and substantially around the NFC chip 14, such that the bezel 16 canbe reversibly closed to permit and deny near field communication betweenand NFC enable devices 300, such as a smart phone, and the NFC chip 14.Manufacture can also include mounting a gem 12 and NFC chip 14 by gluingthe gem 12 or NFC chip 14 to one or more nonconductive substrates 24A,24B. To this end, the article of jewelry 10 can include a substrate 24A,24B wherein the gem 12 and the NFC chip 14 are mounted to the substrate24A, 24B. In further embodiments, the substrate 24A, 24B can include alower substrate layer 24B and an upper substrate layer 24A separatingthe gem 12 from the NFC chip 14. In still further embodiments, the upperlayer 24A is formed from mother of pearl. To this end, the substrates24A, 24B should be formed essentially of a nonconductive material.

By providing an article of jewelry 10 with a housed NFC chip 14 that isrewritable, an article of jewelry 10 has been developed having hiddenmemory that can be rewritten numerous times to couple memories orpersonal expressions that can be enjoyed while viewing the jewelry 10.The files can be audio files, image files, text files, executableinstructions, video files, database files and other transferable datafiles. As will become evident, the jewelry 10 will be able tocommunicate with mobile devices, such as NFC-enabled mobile phones 300having a suitable software application so that personal communication orexpressions can be enjoyed in concert with the jewelry 10. NFCcommunication is accomplished by opening the connector 18 to break thecontinuous electrically conductive loop around the NFC chip 14, andpositioning the article of jewelry 10 next to or against the NFC enableddevice 300. Once positioned, the NFC enabled device 300 initiatescommunication with the NFC chip 14 through an electric field E. Theelectric field E powers the passive NFC chip 14 which permits responsivecommunication. The NFC chip 14 communicates a message to the NFC enableddevice 300, which can launch an application opening an image, video oraudio file or direct a web browser to an Internet web page.

Developing the article of jewelry 10 required overcoming technicalchallenges with respect to combining NFC technology, metals, andconventional jewelry design. For instance, it was found that housing anNFC chip 14 within an article of jewelry 10 completely encircled by asilver or gold bezel 16 prevented communication between the NFC chip 14and an NFC enabled device 300. Since many articles of jewelry 10, suchas pendants hanging from necklaces or bracelets, are traditionallyformed with a gold or silver bezel 16 it was believed an NFC chip 14could not be housed in such articles of jewelry 10. Therefore it wasbelieved that the bezel 16 must be formed from an electricallynonconductive material, such as a plastic. However, surrounding agemstone with a bezel 16 formed from a nonconductive material would beconsidered a cheap alternative in the jewelry field and would not be anacceptable substitution. Precious metals such as gold and silver arehighly desired. It was unexpectedly found that communication between theNFC chip 14 and NFC enabled mobile device could be restored by removingthe continuous nature of the silver or gold bezel 16 around the NFC chip14. That is, by cutting the gold or silver bezel 16 to form a gap 20 andthus break the continuous nature of the NFC interfering loop, near fieldcommunication with the housed NFC chip 14 could be reestablished.Therefore it was surprisingly found that providing a small gap 20 ofonly about a millimeter of an open ended bezel 16A, 16B would permit NFCcommunication.

The article of jewelry 10 has been measured to operate using near fieldcommunication at a maximum of only a few centimeters or less, therebypermitting near field communication between the article of jewelry 10and only a closely positioned NFC enabled device 300. Preferably,communication between the NFC chip 14 and NFC enable device 300 occursselectively within 10 cm, more preferably within 2 cm. By limiting thedistance of communication, messages or expressions can be sharedprivately without concern of foreign NFC enabled devices 300 outside ofthe communication distance. However, further improvements have beendeveloped so that the gap 20 coupled with a displaceable connector 18offer an additional layer of security to the NFC chip 14. These measuresare particularly useful when writing or retrieving personal messages orcommunications in areas of high population density, such as while on abus or shuttle service, subway, train, in a crowded restaurant or otherareas where NFC enabled devices 300 can be found in high density. Inaddition, by providing such a short distance of communication togetherwith a closeable gap 20, the likelihood of theft or overwriting the NFCmemory by others, whether intentional or not, is significantly reduced.It also permits malicious writing of code that could infect an NFCenabled device 300.

Since NFC chips 14 are quite thin and fragile, as shown in FIGS. 1 and2, the near field communication (NFC) chip 14 can be housed orsandwiched between two nonconductive or insulated substrates 24A, 24B.The substrates 24A, 24B can be affixed to one another, therebyminimizing mechanical forces applied to the fragile NFC chip 14. The NFCchip 14 may be secured to the lower substrate 24B using an adhesive,such as double sided tape or glue. In another approach, the lowersubstrate 24B is formed from a polymer and prior to curing or duringhardening, the NFC chip 14 is layered over the polymer such that thelower substrate 24B hardens or cures while the NFC chip 14 is presentfor casting integral to the lower substrate 24B. This can beaccomplished by adding the NFC chip 14 to a cooling polymer melt oradding the NFC chip 14 together with or after adding a hardeningcatalyst as known in the polymer arts. Suitable, non-limiting examplesof polymers include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene.

The upper substrate 24A is preferably planar, layered over the NFC chip14 and is preferably affixed to the lower substrate 24B. The uppersubstrate 24B is preferably opaque and therefore prevents users fromvisually identifying the NFC chip 14. The circumference of the uppersubstrate 24A is preferably equal to or less than the circumference ofthe lower substrate 24B. In preferred embodiments, the upper substrate24A also adds to the desirability of the jewelry 10 by itself beingformed from a precious or semiprecious material that can be viewed atleast partially through the transparent or semi-transparent outergemstone 12 covering. In some embodiments, the upper substrate 24A is aplanar slice of an opaque gemstone, such as an agate. In a preferredembodiment, the upper substrate 24A is formed from mother of pearl.

In furtherance of the above, the bezel 16 can be formed to substantiallyencircle the NFC chip 14 by substantially encircling the upper and lowersubstrates 24A, 24B. The bezel 16 extends along a same plane as the NFCchip 14 but also has a height that extends above and below the planedefined by the NFC chip 14. The bezel 16 is preferably formed from ahighly conductive material, such as silver or gold, which permits theefficient flow of electrical current. As indicated above, a challengewith using a highly electrically conductive metallic bezel 14 is thatwhen completely encircling an NFC chip 14, communication between the NFCchip 14 and NFC enable device 300 is lost. Accordingly, while the bezel16 of the invention can be formed from metals and metal alloys, such assilver or gold, there is a technical challenge to overcome in thatproviding a continuous ring of such a material along the same plane andaround the NFC chip 14 forms an NFC interfering loop, which preventsnear field communication. However, it was surprisingly found thatdisrupting the continuous loop of a silver or gold bezel 16 resulted insuccessful communication between the NFC enabled device 300 and NFC chip14. It was then surprisingly found by providing a reversibly connectableconnector 18, data stored on the NFC chip could be selectively accessedand selectively protected from transfer.

To assist the artisan in selecting suitable materials, TABLE 1 providesa listing of materials used in the jewelry arts and provides theircorresponding electrical conductivity. As general guidance gold andsilver, which are highly electrically conductive, can form a bezel 16with a highly conductive continuous loop. It was also found thatopposing ends of a length of silver extending substantially but notcompletely around the outer perimeter of an NFC chip 14 could be joinedby conventional jewelry grade titanium without loss of NFC signal. Thissuggests titanium could be an appropriate material for the connector 18when using a silver bezel 16. As such, highly conductive materials ofabout 10⁷ Siemens per meter (S/m) tend to require a gap 20 betweenopposing ends 16A, 16B to retain near field communication with a housedNFC chip 14. Lesser conductive materials of about 10⁶ S/m tend to beuseful as connectors 18 depending on the gap 20 width but notparticularly useful as a bezel 16.

TABLE 1 Material Conductivity (S/m at 20° C.) Silver 6.30 × 10⁷ Copper5.96 × 10⁷ Gold 4.10 × 10⁷ Aluminum 3.50 × 10⁷ Tungsten 1.79 × 10⁷ Zinc1.69 × 10⁷ Nickel 1.43 × 10⁷ Iron   1 × 10⁷ Platinum 9.43 × 10⁶ Tin 9.17× 10⁶ Carbon steel 6.99 × 10⁶ Titanium 2.38 × 10⁶ Stainless steel 1.45 ×10⁶ Glass 1 × 10⁻¹¹ to 10⁻¹⁵ Rubber    1 × 10⁻¹⁴ Fused quartz  1.30 ×10⁻¹⁸

When embodying the article of jewelry 10 as a ring (shown in FIG. 7),there exists even another set of challenges. Rings are conventionallyformed with hoops 26 made from highly conductive materials such as goldor silver. It was envisioned that a gold or silver hoop 26 would againestablish an NFC interfering loop even when the connector 18 is in anopen position; however, as show in FIG. 8, where the gap 20 ispositioned relatively at 12 o'clock, as long as the pair of connectionsof the hoop 26 to the bezel 16 were outside of the angle A formedbetween about 10:30 and 1:30 (about 90 degrees apart), or more reliablybetween about 10 and 2 o'clock, NFC communication could be maintained.Thus, it was found that the relationship between the gap 20 and the hoop26 of the ring, and presumably hoop of earrings and other hoops, shouldbe about 90 degrees apart from one another to permit near fieldcommunication with the NFC chip 14.

In view of the above, the skilled artisan will appreciate that thearticle of jewelry 10 can be adapted for use in a variety of forms,including a pendent for a necklace or charm for a bracelet, an earring,a ring and other forms of jewelry.

Now, turning to FIGS. 9-12, the invention also provides an article ofjewelry 100 having a precious or semi-precious gem 112; a near fieldcommunication (NFC) chip 114; and a bezel 116 substantially but notentirely surrounding the NFC chip 114, wherein the bezel 116 is formedof an electrically conductive material, further wherein the article ofjewelry 100 is switchable between a closed configuration defined by acontinuous electrically conductive loop encircling the NFC chip 114 andan open configuration defined by a break in the electrically conductiveloop.

As with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, in the embodiment of FIGS.9-10 the bezel 116 is formed from an electrically conductive materialsuch as silver or gold and can be a noncontinuous ring having opposingends separated by a gap 120; however, in the article of jewelry 100shown in FIGS. 9-10 the opposing ends 116A, 116B are flanged outward,bored to provide throughbores, and fitted with insulating ornonconductive collars 130A, 130B. When fitted, the collars 130A, 130Bprevent electrical connection between the bezel 116 and an electricallyconductive substrate 118 (also referred to as a connector) threadedthrough the collars 130A, 130B as shown in FIG. 10. Thus, when fittedwith the collars 130A, 130B, near field communication is permitted withthe NFC chip 114, which defines an open configuration that is open tocommunication with an NFC enabled device 300. When the collars 130A,130B are removed from the throughbore, such as slid out of a frictionfitting with the throughbores, slid out of a tongue and groove fittingwith the throughbores, or unscrewed from the throughbores, theelectrically conductive substrate 118 is permitted to contact theopposing ends 116A, 116B of the bezel 116 to establish an electricallyconductive loop, which interferes with near field communication with theNFC chip 114 thus establishing a closed configuration that protects datastored on the NFC chip 114.

In a related embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the collars 130A, 130B arerotatable within the throughbore and have a slot 132 that separatesopposing ends of the collar 130A, 130B. By separating the ends of arotatable collar 130A, 130B, rotation of the collar 130A, 130B permitsthe slot 132 to be aligned with the electrically conductive substrate118, which permits electrical contact between the electricallyconductive substrate 118 and the bezel 116 thereby defining a closedconfiguration that interferes with or prevents communication between theNFC chip 114 and an NFC enabled device 300. The collar 130 can then befurther rotated to misalign the slot 132 with the electricallyconductive substrate 118 to permit electrical contact between theelectrically conductive substrate 118 and the bezel 130, therebydefining a closed configuration that allows communication between theNFC enabled device 300 and the NFC chip 114.

Turning to FIG. 12, an exploded view of an exemplary article of jewelry100 is provided, which shows how a NFC chip 114 can be securely housedand surrounded by a bezel 116. The NFC chip 114 can be layered betweenan upper substrate 124A (shown as mother of pearl) and a lower substrate124B, each being nonconductive. In this case, a semi-transparent gem 112(sufficiently transparent to permit viewing of the mother of pearl) canbe layered over the upper substrate 124A. Also in this variation asecondary gem 134 is mounted to a mount 136 that is fitted into anaperture 138 of the gem 112.

With reference to FIGS. 9-12, the invention also provides a article ofjewelry 100 for protecting data stored on a near field communication(NFC) chip 114; and a method for protecting data stored on a near fieldcommunication (NFC) chip 114 within an article of jewelry 100, themethod including providing an article of jewelry 100 in a closedconfiguration, wherein the near field communication (NFC) chip 114includes data. In some embodiments, the method includes an article ofjewelry 100 with an electrically conductive substrate 118 threadedthrough collars 130A, 130B, wherein the collars 130A, 130B interferewith electrical connection between the bezel 116 and the substrate 118.

Similarly, the invention provides a method of protecting data, whichincludes providing an article of jewelry 100 in an open configuration,wherein the article of jewelry 100 includes a precious or semipreciousgem 112, a near field communication (NFC) chip 114 loaded with data, anda bezel 116, wherein the bezel 116 is formed of an electricallyconductive material, further wherein the article of jewelry 100 isswitchable between the open configuration that permits near fieldcommunication with the NFC chip 114, and a closed configuration thatprevents near field communication with the NFC chip 114; providing anNFC enabled device 300; writing data to the NFC chip 114 with the NFCenabled device 300; and closing the article of jewelry 100 to the closedconfiguration.

As is evident in view of FIGS. 9-12, the article of jewelry 100 used forprotecting data can include bezel 116 with opposing ends 116A, 116Bseparated by a gap 120, each opposing end 116A, 116B having athroughbore and a removable collar 130A, 130B configured to fit in thethroughbore, wherein the collars 130A, 130B are formed from anonconductive material, further wherein the closed configuration definedby collars 130A, 130B removed from the throughbores and an electricallyconductive substrate electrically connecting the opposing ends 116A,116B of the bezel 116 and the open configuration defined by the collars130A, 130B fitted within the throughbores and interfering withelectrical connection between the electrically conductive substrate 118and the bezel 116.

The invention described herein may be embodied in other specific formswithout departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof.The specific embodiments previously described are therefor to beconsidered as illustrative of, and not limiting, the scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An article of jewelry comprising a precious orsemi-precious gem; a near field communication (NFC) chip; and a bezel,wherein the bezel comprises an electrically conductive materialpositioned along a same plane as the NFC chip, further wherein the bezelis switchable between a closed configuration defined by a continuouselectrically conductive loop encircling the NFC chip and an openconfiguration defined by a gap preventing formation of an electricallyconductive loop continuously encircling the NFC chip.
 2. The article ofjewelry according to claim 1, wherein the gem is a gemstone selectedfrom the group consisting of an agate, an alexandrite, an amber, anametrine, an amethyst, an aquamarine, an apatite, a beryl, a bloodstone,a chrysoberyl or cat-eye, a citrine, a corundum, a chalcedony, achysocolla, a coral, a diamond, an emerald, a green beryl, a garnet, aquartz, an iolite, a jadcite, a kupzite, a lapis lazuli, a moonstone, amalachite, a moamite, an onyx, an opal, a pearl, a peridot, a redcorundum, a ruby, a sardonyx, a sapphire, a spessartine, a sphene, aspinel, a star ruby, a sapphire, a sunstone, a tanzanite, a tiger eye, atourmaline, a topaz, a turquoise, a tsavorite, a moissanite, and azircon.
 3. The article of jewelry of claim 1, wherein the bezel isopened and closed by displacement of an electrically conductiveconnector across the gap.
 4. The article of jewelry of claim 3, whereinthe connector comprises two ends, wherein a first end is fixedlyconnected to the bezel and a second end is reversibly connectable to thebezel.
 5. The article of jewelry of claim 4, wherein the first end ofthe connector is hinged to the bezel.
 6. The article of jewelryaccording to claim 1, wherein the bezel is silver or gold.
 7. A methodof protecting data stored on a near field communication (NFC) chipwithin an article of jewelry, the method comprising providing thearticle of jewelry of claim 1 in a closed configuration, wherein thenear field communication (NFC) chip comprises data.
 8. An article ofjewelry comprising a precious or semi-precious gem; a near fieldcommunication (NFC) chip; and a bezel substantially but not entirelysurrounding the NFC chip, wherein the bezel comprises an electricallyconductive material, further wherein the article of jewelry isswitchable between a closed configuration defined by a continuouselectrically conductive loop encircling the NFC chip and an openconfiguration defined an absence of the continuous electricallyconductive loop.
 9. The article of jewelry according to claim 8, whereinelectrically conductive material is silver or gold.
 10. The article ofjewelry according to claim 8, wherein the bezel has opposing ends thatare flanged outward.
 11. The article of jewelry according to claim 10,wherein each opposing end comprises a throughbore and a removable collarconfigured to fit in the throughbore, wherein the collars are formedfrom a nonconductive material.
 12. The article of jewelry according toclaim 11, further comprising an electrically conductive substratethreaded through the collar, wherein the collars interfere withelectrical connection between the bezel and the substrate.
 13. A methodof protecting data stored on a near field communication (NFC) chipwithin an article of jewelry, the method comprising providing thearticle of jewelry of claim 8 in a closed configuration, wherein thenear field communication (NFC) chip comprises data.
 14. A method ofprotecting data, comprising: a) providing an article of jewelry in anopen configuration, wherein the article of jewelry comprises a preciousor semiprecious gem, a near field communication (NFC) chip comprisingdata, and a bezel, wherein the bezel comprises an electricallyconductive material, further wherein the article of jewelry isswitchable between the open configuration that permits near fieldcommunication with the NFC chip, and a closed configuration thatprevents near field communication with the NFC chip; b) providing an NFCenabled device; c) writing data to the NFC chip with the NFC enableddevice; and d) closing the article of jewelry to the closedconfiguration.
 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the bezelcomprises opposing ends separated by a gap, each opposing end comprisinga throughbore and a removable collar configured to fit in thethroughbore, wherein the collars are formed from a nonconductivematerial, further wherein the closed configuration defined by collarsremoved from the throughbores and an electrically conductive substrateelectrically connecting the opposing ends of the bezel and the openconfiguration defined by the collars fitted within the throughbores andinterfering with electrical connection between the electricallyconductive substrate and the bezel.